Saturday, February 20, 2016

Are they Jesus

this person before me
crossing my path
are they Jesus?
the least one before me
are they Christ?
in this world
this person before me
a divine appointment
are they Jesus?
were they sent to teach me?

===============
February 20, 2016
Are they Jesus?
Upper Room
Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Matthew 25:31-46
“the sheep and the goats”
“Divine Interruptions”
by Robert Boyce
devotion for February 18, 2016
read February 19, 2016

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,120+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

seek to serve Jesus

seek to serve Jesus
and we will find Him
walking beside us
on the way
love Jesus as our Savior
and God’s love
will surround us
on the way

===============
February 20, 2016
seek to serve Jesus
Sanctuary for Lent 2016
by Sue Mink
Matthew 11:25b
Matthew 11:25-26
devotion for February 19, 2016
read February 19, 2016
&
February 20, 2016
flashes of light
Sanctuary for Lent 2016
by Sue Mink
Ephesians 6:20b
Ephesians 6:18-20
devotion for February 18, 2016
read February 19, 2016
&
edited February 21, 2016
working in the field – v2
February 18, 2016
working in the field
Sanctuary for Lent 2016
by Sue Mink
Matthew 9:38
Matthew 9:36-38
devotion for February 17, 2016
read February 17, 2016
edited February 21, 2016
&
Heal her, Lord, if it be your will – v2
February 18, 2016
Heal her, Lord, if it be Your Will
Sanctuary for Lent 2016
by Sue Mink
Matthew 8:8b
Matthew 8:5-13
devotion for February 16, 2016
read February 17, 2016
&
edited February 21, 2016
who are these guys
February 18, 2016
who are these guys
Sanctuary for Lent 2016
by Sue Mink
Luke 6:12
Luke 6:12-16
devotion for February 15, 2016
read February 17, 2016


All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,120+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

flashes of light

flashes of light
glimmers in the gospel
shared from our lips
spoken from our hearts
words of scripture
pictures of love
projecting Christ forward
throughout the world.

====================
February 20, 2016
flashes of light
Sanctuary for Lent 2016
by Sue Mink
Ephesians 6:20b
Ephesians 6:18-20
devotion for February 18, 2016
read February 19, 2016
&
edited February 21, 2016
working in the field – v2
February 18, 2016
working in the field
Sanctuary for Lent 2016
by Sue Mink
Matthew 9:38
Matthew 9:36-38
devotion for February 17, 2016
read February 17, 2016
edited February 21, 2016
&
Heal her, Lord, if it be your will – v2
February 18, 2016
Heal her, Lord, if it be Your Will
Sanctuary for Lent 2016
by Sue Mink
Matthew 8:8b
Matthew 8:5-13
devotion for February 16, 2016
read February 17, 2016
&
edited February 21, 2016
who are these guys
February 18, 2016
who are these guys
Sanctuary for Lent 2016
by Sue Mink
Luke 6:12
Luke 6:12-16
devotion for February 15, 2016
read February 17, 2016



All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,120+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Living in the noise

Living in the noise, the chaos
the din of the world
losing focus, hope
descending into fear
needing to recharge
to reignite the spark within us
to hear the whisper of God
even within the noise

===============
February 20, 2016
Living in the noise
“Silence”
by Katy  Steele
&
“Looking for Ways to be Quiet”
by Peake Nasrallah
devotion for 2/19/16
read February 19, 2016
&
February 20, 2016
our prayers are in God’s hands
“Being Patient in Hard Times”
Psalm 4:1 (NIV)
Kimberly Taylor
devotion for 2/18/16
read February 19, 2016
&
February 18, 2016
Bringing to God
Devozine
2/15-2/21/16
“+prayer 101”
“Trusting God”
by Tracy Redman Delk
Psalm 86:7 (NIV)
&
“Prayer”
by Michelle Ankrum
devotion for 2/17/16
read February 17, 2016



All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,120+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

our prayers are in God’s hands

we must release the prayers we offer
we do not control them
our prayers are in God’s hands
our Creator, our Father
we must let go and submit to God’s timing
we must be patient
and accept God’s answer

==================
February 20, 2016
our prayers are in God’s hands
“Being Patient in Hard Times”
Psalm 4:1 (NIV)
Kimberly Taylor
devotion for 2/18/16
read February 19, 2016
&
February 18, 2016
Bringing to God
Devozine
2/15-2/21/16
“+prayer 101”
“Trusting God”
by Tracy Redman Delk
Psalm 86:7 (NIV)
&
“Prayer”
by Michelle Ankrum
devotion for 2/17/16
read February 17, 2016



All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,120+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

fighting the yoke – v10

Choosing submission,
entering the yoke of Jesus;
Standing by our Brother,
but perhaps having buyer’s remorse

Yanking at the bit,
fighting the yoke;
Wanting to be faithful,
but remaining timid, rebellious

Fighting the yoke,
while working the fields;
Not going away, leaving,
but failing to yield

------
edited February 20, 2016
fighting the yoke – v10

(editing version 2)
edited December 2, 2014
fighting the yoke – v9
(editing version 5)
edited April 5, 2014
fighting the yoke – v8
(editing original again)
Edited December 28, 2013
fighting the yoke – v7
(editing the original again)
Edited November 30, 2013
fighting the yoke – v6
(editing version 5)
Edited September 11, 2013
fighting the yoke – v5
(editing original again)
Edited August 30, 2013
fighting the yoke – v4
(editing original again)
Edited April 15, 2013
“fighting the yoke – v3”
(editing version 2)
Edited April 15, 2013
“fighting the yoke – v2”
April 14, 2013
fighting the yoke
John 21:18
“Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish”
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
April 8, 2013 to April 14, 2013
“Full Disclosure”
by John F. C. Dornheim
for April 12, 2013
read April 14, 2013
&
John 21:1-14
“Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish”
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
April 8, 2013 to April 14, 2013
“Full Disclosure”
by John F. C. Dornheim
for April 11, 2013
read April 14, 2013

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,100+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Sins Remaining – v2

The sins remaining
though our hands are on their heads
going to the priests to be slaughtered
to pay the awful price

But we are not changing
in greed holding onto our things
offering them as sacrifice;
but the sins remain with us

-----------------
edited February 19, 2016
The Sins Remaining – v2

Edited December 14, 2013
Looking at the Faces – v2
Edited December 14, 2013
Our Hands Upon Them – v2
&
April 2, 2011
Those Without a Voice
&
edited October 14, 2015
Looking at the Faces – v3
(editing original)
Edited December 14, 2013
Looking at the Faces – v2
April 1, 2011
Looking at the Faces
Rally for New Hampshire
March 31, 2011
&
edited February 26, 2014
A Free Offering – v3
(editing original again)
Edited December 14, 2013
A Free Offering – v2
March 20, 2011
A Free Offering
&
edited January 8, 2014
The Vipers in Power – v4
(editing original again)
Edited October 19, 2013
The Vipers in Power – v3
Edited August 27, 2013
The Vipers in Power – v2
March 16, 2011
The Vipers in Power
&
edited May 2, 2015
No Counsel with Them – v2
March 16, 2011
No Counsel with Them
March 16, 2011
No Counsel for Them
&
edited February 24, 2015
By the Best Interest Standard – v2
March 16, 2011
By the Best Interest Standard
Cuts approved by the NH House and
Constitutional Amendment proposed by Rep. Neal Kirk
to remove safety net of town welfare
&
March 15, 2011
Our Hands Upon Them
March 15, 2011
Making Them Have Nots
March 15, 2011
The Sins Remaining
John 3:16 versus Leviticus 4
&
edited January 4, 2014
An Immoral Choice – v2
March 11, 2011 and March 12, 2011
An Immoral Choice
written at House of Purpose Coffeehouse
Hillsboro, NH
March 11, 2011
and finished
at Pembroke Town Meeting,
Pembroke, NH
3/12/11
&
edited December 3, 2014
I Beg You – v3
(editing version 2)
the prayers are still needed
to repair what was lost
Edited August 6, 2013
“I Beg You – v2”
March 12, 2011
“I Beg You”
written at Pembroke Town Meeting
March 12, 2011
&
calling on the NH Legislature
and the Governor
to spare those without a voice
those who need us
from the severe budget cuts
that are currently planned
in HB1 and HB2, etc.
&
Edited December 14, 2013
as one person of faith – v2
March 11, 2011
as one person of faith
in part based on the testimony
of The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson,
Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire
March 10, 2011
&
testimony of Kathy Needleman, Esq. (testifying as a parent)
March 10, 2011
&
testimony of Katherine Stearns, Esq.
March 10, 2011

Raymond A. Foss, Esq.
Law Offices of Raymond A. Foss, PLLC
Poetry Where You Live
160 Main Street
Suncook, NH 03275-1206

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,090+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Forgiving Father – v3

A parable of brothers
a story of our one Father
a love maintained, given, offered,
even when we act like He
is distant, dead to us

holding hope, open arms, waiting,
for the one who was lost
out wandering in this world
choosing the bitter fruits
lost, far from Him

so precious in the finding,
in the returning home,
repenting, calling Him Father
once more, welcomed
with open arms

He is ready, eager
waiting for each and every one of us
each of us are precious in His sight
We are each a beloved child
to hold, to embrace

================
edited February 19, 2016
“A Forgiving Father – v3”

(merging edits to original and version 2)
edited after Thao Pachia
used my poem in a high school English class assignment
Edited April 23, 2013
“A Forgiving Father – v2”
after Austin Masterson
included the original in a student assignment
Roswell, NM
March 18, 2007 20:46
“A Forgiving Father”
Based on sermon entitled “Brothers”
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
March 18, 2007
Luke 15:1-3; Luke 15:11b-32

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,090+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Friday, February 19, 2016

like a wave crashing on a rocky shore – v2

Up to the mountainside
the crowd a living entity,
like a wave crashing on a rocky shore
surging over the wall

Pooling at the feet of Christ
a sea of living souls,
needing His feeding word
a light in this world

=====
edited February 19, 2016
like a wave crashing on a rocky shore – v2

July 28, 2012 and July 29, 2012
like a wave crashing on a rocky shore
John 6:1-15
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
July 23, 2012 to July 29, 2012
“Stay Focused!”
by Jorge Acevedo
for July 28, 2012,
read July 28, 2012

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,090+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

breastplate of righteousness – v5

Put on protection,
the breastplate of righteousness;
Cover your heart
with God’s endless love

Walk in His way;
He is worthy of your praises.
Put on protection
walk in His way.

------
edited February 19, 2016
breastplate of righteousness – v5

(editing original)
edited June 1, 2015
breastplate of righteousness – v4
(editing original)
edited March 7, 2014
“the breastplate of righteousness – v3”
(editing original again)
Edited August 9, 2013
“breastplate of righteousness – v2”
August 24, 2012 and August 27, 2012
“breastplate of righteousness”
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
Ephesians 5:15-20 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
August 20, 2012 to August 26, 2012
“Dwelling”
by Regina M. Laroche
for August 22, 2012,
read August 22, 2012
reread August 23, 2012
&
Psalm 84:5-12
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
August 20, 2012 to August 26, 2012
“Dwelling”
by Regina M. Laroche
for August 21, 2012,
read August 21, 2012
&
1 Kings 8:27-30
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
August 20, 2012 to August 26, 2012
“Dwelling”
by Regina M. Laroche
for August 20, 2012,
read August 21, 2012

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,090+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we are born to eternal life – v3

In dying to self, to our flesh,
our lives have meaning;
We are at peace within our walk.
By sacrificing ourselves completely,
we are born to eternal life.

For it is in our giving
that we truly believe;
Only by forgiving our neighbors
may we rise from our knees.

May we fully receive
the bounty, the life,
to which God calls us;
May we have joy, now,
here on earth.

======
edited February 19, 2016
we are born to eternal life – v3

edited September 18, 2015
we are born to eternal life – v2
September 18, 2015
we are born to eternal life
last line: “It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life”
September 18, 2015
may I love
September 18, 2015
may I sow joy
September 18, 2015
where there is sadness
line 7: “Where there is sadness, (may I sow) joy.”
September 17, 2015
where there is darkness
September 17, 2015
may I sow light
line 6:”Where there is darkness, (let me sow) light;”
September 17, 2015
where there is despair
September 17, 2015
hope to hold onto
line 5: “Where there is despair, (let me sow) hope;”
September 17, 2015
where there is doubt
line 4: “Where there is doubt, (let me sow) love;”
September 17, 2015
may I sow pardon
September 17, 2015
where there is injury
line 3: “Where there is injury, (let me sow) pardon;”
(and Luke 23:34)
September 17, 2015
where there is hatred
September 17, 2015
let me sow love
line 2: “Where there is hatred, let me sow love;”
September 17, 2015
may I be oil
line 1: “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.”
edited/ new September 15, 2015
Let me live faith
September 15, 2015
Let me breathe faith
edited September 15, 2015
Let me sow faith – v3
(editing version 2)
edited September 15, 2015
Let me sow faith – v2
September 14, 2015
Let me sow faith
opening prayer
Prayer of Saint Francis
Francis of Assisi
United Methodist Hymnal #481
Youth Group
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
September 14, 2015

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,090+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

may I love – v4

May I love
with all my being;
May I love
as I am able.

May I love as my first instinct,
not seeking to be loved;
but may I love
as a way of living.

May I be love, Christ,
within my walk.

===========
edited February 19, 2016
may I love – v4

(editing version 2)
edited September 18, 2015
may I love – v3
(editing original)
edited September 18, 2015
may I love – v2
edited September 18, 2015
we are born to eternal life – v2
September 18, 2015
we are born to eternal life
last line: “It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life”
September 18, 2015
may I love
September 18, 2015
may I sow joy
September 18, 2015
where there is sadness
line 7: “Where there is sadness, (may I sow) joy.”
September 17, 2015
where there is darkness
September 17, 2015
may I sow light
line 6:”Where there is darkness, (let me sow) light;”
September 17, 2015
where there is despair
September 17, 2015
hope to hold onto
line 5: “Where there is despair, (let me sow) hope;”
September 17, 2015
where there is doubt
line 4: “Where there is doubt, (let me sow) love;”
September 17, 2015
may I sow pardon
September 17, 2015
where there is injury
line 3: “Where there is injury, (let me sow) pardon;”
(and Luke 23:34)
September 17, 2015
where there is hatred
September 17, 2015
let me sow love
line 2: “Where there is hatred, let me sow love;”
September 17, 2015
may I be oil
line 1: “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.”
edited/ new September 15, 2015
Let me live faith
September 15, 2015
Let me breathe faith
edited September 15, 2015
Let me sow faith – v3
(editing version 2)
edited September 15, 2015
Let me sow faith – v2
September 14, 2015
Let me sow faith
opening prayer
Prayer of Saint Francis
Francis of Assisi
United Methodist Hymnal #481
Youth Group
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
September 14, 2015

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,090+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.